Synthesis of Nickel nanoparticles on graphene oxide as a promising reinforcement for epoxy composites

Herein, Nickel‐decorated graphene oxide nanoplatelets (Ni@GNs) were introduced as a promising reinforcement for epoxy composites. The morphology and structure of Ni@GNs were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, atomic force microscope, and scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy‐dispersive X‐ray analyzer. This study sought to investigate the effects of Ni@GNs addition at different weight percentages (0.05, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 wt%) on the tensile and dry‐sliding wear properties of epoxy composites. Maximum enhancements in tensile strength (ie, 36%) and failure strain (ie, 56%) were observed for the specimen filled with 0.1 wt% Ni@GNs. In addition, by the introduction of 0.7 wt% Ni@GNs, a maximum enhancement of tensile modulus (ie, 39%) was achieved. The results of the wear tests demonstrated that the wear rate and friction coefficient of the epoxy matrix were decreased by 86% and 75%, respectively, by the addition of 0.3 wt% Ni@GNs. It was also found that the Ni@GNs/epoxy nanocomposite showed significant improvements in tensile and wear properties in comparison to the specimen filled with GNs.